Holiday 2003

When? Wednesday 3 - Wednesday 10 September 2003

Where? Edinburgh, Kingussie & Galashiels, Scotland

I have wanted to visit Scotland for such a long time now, especially since my Europe trip when plenty of people asked me what it was like and I had to ashamedly reply that I had never been there. So I was glad that this year I would be able to do it. It seemed such a shame to me that a country as spectacular as Scotland is on my very doorstep (relatively) and I had never been there before.

So Elaine and I set off to 'do' Scotland in a week. Or at least as much as was feasible in one week. First up was three nights in Edinburgh, where we stayed in a hostel close to the city centre. We did the Royal Yacht Britannia the day we arrived, leaving the famous castle to be done properly first thing the next morning.

The castle itself was great, perched on top of the remains of a long-dead volcano; but even better were the fantastic views that the turrets afford once you're up there. You can pretty much see the entire city, as well as the Firth of Forth.

A working regiment is still stationed there, plus the One o'clock Gun, a cannon that goes off every day at - yes, you guessed it - one o'clock, traditionally for ships to set their clocks right if necessary.

Many tales of battle and treachery are retold throughout the castle. There are also many opportunities to buy cuddly Nessie toys.

The rest of our Edinburgh stay included the infamous plague-ridden Mary King's Close, the old observatory and Arthur's Seat (a popular large park that gives great views of the city). Kings were once crowned up there, you know. Not THE Arthur, though.

The other main attraction we undertook was Holyrood Palace, at the opposite end of the Royal Mile from the castle. A royal residence for many years, and still used by the Royal Family, it's a very nice place that gives a good insight into royal Scottish history.

Click here to read Part Two